Even though Washington D.C.’s legendary 9:30 Club is now about two miles from its original location, they’re still celebrating three decades on the scene by holding two anniversary shows over the holiday weekend.
Even better, tickets to Monday’s show are free of charge. “We wanted to do something really different,” said club co-founder Seth Hurwitz. “We want to be surrounded by people who have made this place special.”
The venue can only hold about 1200 of those people, and members of the club’s online community have the first crack at tickets through a lottery system. Everyone else will have to explore other avenues or show up before doors open at 5 p.m. to fight for the limited number of tickets that are available on a first come, first served basis. From the looks of the lineup, Monday night will surely be an enjoyable trip down memory lane.
D.C. native Henry Rollins will emcee the free show, which features Bob Mould and Ted Leo headlining a 13-act bill that also includes Clutch, The Psychedelic Furs, and The Evens (who are fronted by Fugazi’s Ian MacKaye).
A press release says more artists with roots in the nation’s capital are scheduled to make surprise appearances. While the club’s PR won’t give any more hints, Dave Grohl has been rumored to be one of the possible surprises. Grohl played drums in D.C. hardcore outfit Scream. UPDATE: Grohl played an acoustic version of “Everlong” and played two Bad Brains covers alongside Scream bandmate Peter Stahl. Check out those videos here. (Thanks to Ben Hyman for the tip)
But, if you can’t wait for Monday to party for free, two Andrew Jacksons will get you into the club for the first night of the celebration. On Sunday, May 30th, Richard Cheese & Lounge Against the Machine will take the stage and play lounge versions of songs from artists that have graced the 9:30 Club’s stage.
The list of songs could go on and on, but hearing a Bublé-esque version of Fugazi’s “Promises” or The Beastie Boys’ “Paul Revere” just might be worth the 40 dollar ticket price. Here’s a lineup for this weekend’s shows:
05/30 @ 6:30 p.m.
Richard Cheese & Lounge Against the Machine
05/31 @ 5 p.m.
Henry Rollins (Emcee)
BT (DJ)
Tiny Desk Unit
The Fleshtones
Tommy Keene
The Slickee Boys
The Psychedelic Furs
Marti Jones & Don Dixon
Clutch
Trouble Funk
The Evens
Justin Jones
The Pietasters
Ted Leo
Bob Mould
